As the festive season approaches, the Norkem Park SAPS urges community members to be alert to scammers and online fraudsters, who exploit the holiday excitement and increased spending.

Sergeant Portia Mkhondo, the Norkem Park SAPS spokesperson, said criminals use tricks, such as fake online sales, phishing messages, social media scams, and fraudulent investment offers to steal money and personal information.

“We urge the public to verify all deals, job offers and investment opportunities before making payments or sharing personal details. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is,” Mkhondo said.

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Common scams reported during this period:
• Online shopping scams: Fake websites or sellers promise discounted goods that never arrive;
• Investment scams: Criminals offer quick returns through fake crypto or investment schemes;
• Phishing scams: Fraudulent emails or SMSes request bank details or OTP codes;
• Prize or lottery scams: Victims are told they’ve won a prize but must pay a fee to claim it.

Tips to protect yourself:

• Verify all deals before paying;
• Avoid sharing personal or banking information on social media;
• Use secure websites when making online purchases;
• Be cautious of urgent requests or pressure to act quickly;
• Do not click on suspicious links or respond to unknown messages or emails;
• Never pay deposits to personal accounts when booking accommodation or buying online;
• Update passwords regularly and enable two-factor authentication where possible;
• Report suspicious activity to your nearest police station or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

Community members should share this information with family and friends, particularly elderly relatives, to ensure a safer, scam-free festive season for everyone.